Pope Leo XIV Names Kenyan Lucy Esipila Vatican Consultor

Lucy Esipila, Regional Coordinator and Regional Executive Secretary of Caritas Africa, has been appointed a Consultor to a key Vatican humanitarian body, with her five-year term beginning on 1 September 2026.

Esipila is reported to be the first woman to lead Caritas Africa’s pastoral network. In her new role, she will provide technical expertise to one of the Vatican’s principal dicasteries, which guides the Catholic Church’s response to poverty, migration, healthcare, environmental protection and humanitarian emergencies worldwide.

Consultors provide specialised briefs and take part in periodic meetings that help shape Vatican policy on social and humanitarian issues. Esipila will join a group of 12 experts from around the world, including three Africans. The other African members are Ugandan theologian Fr Emmanuel Katongole and Burkinabè agricultural economist Omer S. Combary.

Esipila began her humanitarian career in 2012 at a diocesan radio station in Maralal, northern Kenya. She worked with pastoralist communities on issues including water shortages, food security, resource conflicts and climate resilience.

She later became Caritas Kenya’s Coordinator for Research, Communications and Advocacy. In that position, she worked with the African Union, European Union and United Nations on policy and strategy relating to human rights, climate action and other issues.

Her appointment follows a leadership restructuring by Pope Leo XIV earlier this year. Sister Alessandra Smerilli was appointed Prefect, while Cardinal Fabio Baggio became Pro-Prefect.

Esipila’s appointment comes as Kenya strengthens its relations with the Holy See. In July 2026, Kenya established its first resident diplomatic mission to the Holy See, with President William Ruto appointing a resident ambassador. The move reflects the growing importance of the Vatican in international diplomacy and humanitarian affairs.

The appointment also increases Kenya’s representation within international Catholic structures and gives an African perspective a greater role in global humanitarian discussions. In Kenya, the Catholic Church has also announced the appointment of Fr Obed Muriungi Karobia as auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Nairobi.

Karobia’s appointment is significant for the Franciscan community and is expected to strengthen pastoral leadership in Nairobi. His role will include supporting the Church’s work with vulnerable communities and its social justice initiatives in the capital.